Biophilia

The term Biophilia, which derives from Greek and means "love of life," was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erich Fromm (1900–1980). In 1964, he defined biophilia as "the connection that human beings unconsciously seek with the rest of life," and in 1973, he described it as "a passionate love for life and all that is alive." The concept was subsequently explored and popularized by Harvard University biologist Edward O. Wilson (1929–2021), who in 1984 defined biophilia as a "complex behavior" and asan innate emotional affiliation of humans with other living organisms. In his more mature definition (Wilson, 2002), biophilia is described as "the innate tendency to focus our attention on life forms and everything that reminds us of them and, in some circumstances, to emotionally affiliate with them." Wilson emphasized that this inclination is not an archaic remnant, but a fundamental component of our psycho-physical well-being, especially in the contemporary era, characterized by a growing detachment from nature. According tothe Biophilia Hypothesis (1993), human survival and well-being throughout evolution depended entirely on the natural environment, genetically rooting physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral preferences that continue to profoundly influence our culture and lifestyle. This universal bond reflects the deep human need to connect with nature, both directly and indirectly. Satisfying this need generates significant benefits, including psychological and physical regeneration, stress reduction, the promotion of positive emotions and cognitive performance, while encouraging the emergence of pro-environmental behaviors aimed at protecting, caring for, and regenerating nature. Today, this symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment is severely compromised by the intense anthropization of the planet, making it more urgent than ever to reconnect humans with the nature of which they are an integral part.